The Veteran's claim for service connection for essential thrombocythemia has been denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to his active military service. The claim for an increased evaluation for loss of lung capacity has also been denied, with the RO having granted a noncompensable evaluation in September 2008 and subsequently increasing it to 10 percent effective June 16, 2008.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's essential thrombocythemia was first diagnosed years after service and there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service. The loss of lung capacity has been rated under Diagnostic Code 6844, which assigns a noncompensable evaluation based on the severity of respiratory impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Essential Thrombocythemia, Loss of Lung Capacity
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1120301
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1120301.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's blood disorder, including essential thrombocythemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his military service. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the Veteran's current blood disorders are linked to his reported exposure to smoke and oil in the Persian Gulf.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected essential thrombocythemia, finding that the veteran's platelet count was stable and within normal limits.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.